Sister Marie Jean Dempsey, OP died on March 6, 2020 in Siena Hall, Dominican Convent, Sparkill, NY. She was 99 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 24, 1920, Joan Marie was the daughter of John and Alice Mara Dempsey. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 2, 1938 and received the name Sister Marie Jean. She professed her first vows in 1940 and final vows in 1945.
Sister Marie Jean received her BA in English from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, 1946; her MA in English from St John University, NY,1952; and a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University, NY, 1965. She also studied at the Maryknoll School of Theology. In 1977, Sister Marie Jean received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Sister Marie Jean taught at St. Agnes Home and School, Sparkill, NY (1940-1941); St. Rita School, Bronx, NY (1941); St. Helena School, Bronx, NY (1941-1946); Cardinal McCloskey, White Plains, NY (1946-1948); Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Richmond Hill, NY (1948-1949); Sacred Heart School, Suffern, NY (1949-1950); Aquinas High School, Bronx, NY (1950-1960); Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY (1960-1963); St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY (1963-1972, 1980-1998) as Professor of English, Professor of Humanities and also served as Academic Dean. From 1972-1980, Sister Marie Jean was the President of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. Her ministry of service continued in Dominican Convent and Dowling Gardens, Sparkill, NY until 2005.
Sister Marie Jean is predeceased by her parents John and Alice Mara Dempsey.
Sister Marie Jean Dempsey made a difference in the lives of countless young people in her ministry of education. She shared her leadership skills as President in carrying forward the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill to proclaim the Word of God through ministry for justice. May she be welcomed into the fullness of God’s presence—well done good and faithful servant, Sister Marie Jean.